Hundreds of Runners Turn Out in Rain for Christmas Without Cancer 5K

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- Hundreds of runners ran through the rain on Saturday during the second annual Christmas Without Cancer 5K to raise money for a great cause: to bring comfort and joy to local families facing cancer this holiday season.

Supporters of the grassroots organization founded by Advocate Christ oncology nurse Gerri Neylon, of Evergreen Park, congregated at Klein Park in Evergreen Park, where the 5K started and ended. Neylon said 427 runners registered to run or walk in the 5K -- with 267 participants registering last Thursday, with another 160 showing up on race day.

“I’m super amazed at all the people who came out despite the weather,” Neylon said.

Race director Mike Chappetto delayed the start of the race by 30 minutes during the morning downpour.
The race officially opened Evergreen Park High School’s Madrigal Choir belting out the Yuletide tunes.

Evergreen Park High School Madrigal Choir

Seven-year-old Anthony Pappalas facilitated starting line formalities along with help from honorary chairs -- Anthony’s Avengers -- a group of Mt. Greenwood neighbors who watch out for Anthony and his family. The Mt. Greenwood boy is currently undergoing treatment for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.

“The finish line you cross today is not the end of our race,” said Neylon, addressing the rain-soaked crowd. “This year’s race ends when we deliver the last Christmas gift to a child or pay the last utility bill for a family in need – all because of your generosity.”

Evergreen Park resident Jim McKeever, who is finishing a round of treatments for Hodgkins Lymphoma, walked hand in hand with his wife, Peggy, as their sons ran bolted from the gate for the 5K race.

Brother Rice High School also sent the undefeated sophomore football team to help with the race. The young men gamely passed out water to runners in the rain, and stood at the finish line cheering on the runners and walkers.

Brother Rice sophomore football team cheers on CWC runners.

Other cancer survivors and their families also organized teams to walk or run in the 5K. The family of 30-year-old Erin McCann, of Lemont, who is currently receiving chemo and radiation treatment for ovarian cancer, fielded a huge team of supporters, the “McCannimals.” Beverly-resident John Torpy, battling a brain tumor, brought out his family, who formed Team Torpy.

The top male finisher was Jason Coelho, 33, who posted a time of 19:37. His girlfriend, Stephanie Bylsma, also 33, led the women with a time of 23:16. The South Loop dwellers both work for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office.

Also there to support the Christmas Without Cancer mission were Evergreen Park Mayor Jim Sexton and Saint Xavier University athletic director Bob Hallberg. SXU hosted a post-race tailgate party before Saturday’s Cougars football game.

Neylon downplayed compliments that she is an amazing woman.

“I’m just a regular person trying to help people,” she said. “I’m more than grateful for the people who turned out. It speaks volumes about our supporters.”

• See the complete Christmas Without Cancer 5K race results for each age group.
• Visit Christmas Without Cancer NFP’s Facebook page for more race photos.

Cover photo: Seven-year-oldAnthony Pappalas, of Anthony's Avengers, opened the CWC 5K. Greg Gromek